Foods to Avoid With Braces

Although sturdy, stable and advanced, braces are orthodontic appliances that you need to treat with care. That means eating foods that are gentle on the brackets and wires that hold your braces together and in place. Generally, avoid all foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy. Soft foods are most recommended for those who wear braces because they are simply easier on your mouth hardware.

Read our list of foods to avoid as well as recommended foods for braces wearers below.

Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces

Popcorn

Nuts

Hard taco shells

Sticky and hard candy

Gum

Ice

Corn chips

Pretzels

Hard cookies or crackers

Sticky or hard chocolate

Also avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. Cut or break up hard foods such as:

Raw vegetables

Croutons

French/Italian bread

Fruit

Hard rolls

Thin crust pizza

Meat

Burgers

Sub sandwiches

Corn on the cob

Recommended Foods When Wearing Braces

Hulless popcorn

Bananas

Yogurt

Light crackers or cookies

Cheese

Mashed potatoes

Melons

Grapes

Peanut butter and jelly

Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet is important for everyone’s teeth and overall health. The healthier you are, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment because a proper diet provides all the essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change.

Request an Orthodontist Consultation

If you’re ready to get started, visit our Locations page to find our dental clinic near you. Call the clinic of your choice and tell them you’re interested in a consultation with an orthodontist. You may also Request an Appointment here.

Braces & Orthodontics Insurance Dental Associates is the exclusive provider of CarePlus Dental Plans insurance. With CarePlus dental insurance, you can save money on braces, even if you already have dental insurance. Use their Savings Calculator to see how much you can save with your existing dental insurance. Visit CarePlus Dental Insurance for Braces